• Mercedes-Benz recalls thier EQS for distracting infotainment
• Tesla allows you to play video games while driving
• Elon Musk and Tesla need to follow Mercedes’ lead

Sometimes, we get a glimpse of what manufacturers think of each other and their respective products. On November 29, 2021, we got a look at what Mercedes-Benz thinks about distracting infotainment (and maybe Tesla) after the brand issued a recall for the Mercedes-Benz EQS. This comes hot on the heels of the controversy surrounding Elon Musk, Tesla, and their own distracting infotainment system.

Do Tesla video games work while driving?

Recently, the New York Times ran a report on video games in the cockpit of Tesla models. More specifically, the fact that you can play video games in your Tesla while in motion. Clearly, that’s inherently unsafe. The Palo Alto-based brand has obviously come under fire for dangerous driver features before, most notably with the NHTSA’s investigation of Autopilot and “Full Self-Driving” software

We discussed whether Elon Musk would get the ban hammer over this, and it’s likely he will. Obviously, the concern is that drivers cannot be trusted to pay attention at the wheel while gaming. That’s especially true when you consider that Tesla’s FSD system is still legal and active in cars like the Model S Plaid. So, with that in mind, enter Mercedes-Benz and the EQS.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS has distracting infotainment

The Germans take road safety extremely seriously. After all, the Autobahn is one of the world’s safest motorway networks. Then, there’s TUV, the German way to register a car and ensure it’s roadworthy. Again, it’s one of the most strict systems of its kind. Like the German government, it’s clear manufacturers don’t mess about with safety. You can’t even eat in a car while driving in Germany without getting a ticket.

So, it’s no shock that Mercedes-Benz has recalled their EQS EV for infotainment that “may cause driver distraction.” Merc calls the system “Hyperscreen,” and it’s basically three huge screens in one. The NHTSA recall states the brand is recalling systems in the 2021 S580, 2022 EQS450, EQS580, and S500 vehicles for ” activation of the television and internet display while driving, causing a distraction for the driver.” It’s quite the opposite approach from Tesla and Elon Musk, who have yet to issue any statement regarding their video games and their potential use by drivers.

How do I know if my Mercedes has a recall?

Notably, the Mercedes recall also affects certain gas-powered Mercedes-Benz S Class models. Normally, you’d have to go to your Mercedes dealer for a fix. Thankfully, the issue has already been remedied by Mercedes, who issued an “over-the-air” update to remedy any distracting issues. Frankly, it’s exactly what Tesla ought to do.

The brand is consistently the face of controversy when it comes to unsafe driver conditions, from Autopilot to FSD. At this point, to see Tesla do anything but remove the feature’s use while driving is irresponsible and unsafe to both the vehicle’s occupants and those around them. Mercedes set the tone here, and it’s now time for Tesla to do something they typically don’t: follow the trend.